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South Okanagan Breweries

There is a saying that it takes a lot of great craft beer to make fine wine. It is a natural fit then, that in the middle of BC’s wine country, the South Okanagan also has a dynamic beer scene with eleven craft breweries.

We have some of BC’s oldest craft breweries and some of BC’s newest craft breweries as well as the home of the annual Okanagan Fest of Ale in Penticton, one of BC’s premier and long-standing craft beer festivals.

Penticton has been a leader of the Okanagan craft beer scene for 25 years with a strong community of seven craft breweries which collectively make up the Penticton Ale Trail. And in 2020, that legacy was recognized by Lonely Planet when it named Penticton Canada’s “craft beer capital.”

A short drive to the North along Hwy 97, Summerland is home to 2 newer breweries Detonate Brewing and Breakaway Brewing Co and further South along Hwy 97 in Oliver, bunkered below the ‘Old Firehall’ is Firehall Brewery. The newest addition to is in Osoyoos, North Basin Brewing Co.

Make the South Okanagan your next craft beer destination!

Tasting Room 101: How to Be a Considerate Craft Beer Consumer in 2020

Before visiting, we recommend that you check directly with the businesses you are hoping to visit to get the latest on-the-ground information. Some businesses are seasonal, and some may have experienced closures due to COVID-19.

Tin Whistle Brewing Company

Tin Whistle Brewing opened in 1995.  It was the first microbrewery in the South Okanagan. A pioneer in the world of craft beer. Through the years, this family owned brewery has created many exciting brews.

“We are known for our quality, innovative brews. All our ales are preservative and chemical free. We try to support Canadian products and source our ingredients locally”.

As the popularity of local brews rages on, the fan base for Tin Whistle Brewing continues to grow. Lorraine Nagy has been the owner of the since 1998 – she laughs at what was supposed to be a five year plan turning into 20+, but she loves it.  Now making 10 types of beer at their brewery in Penticton, Nagy says it is full steam ahead.

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Highway 97 Brewing Company

Highway 97 Brewery's tap room

The name of the brewery is intended to represent the vitality of the region, the importance of the transportation network to the interior, the pride of residents and the countless recreational and lifestyle opportunities available to anyone along the corridor.  From skiing, snowboarding and golf to watersports, baseball, hockey, soccer, cycling, running, hiking to music festivals and events and everything in between, the Highway 97 corridor is a virtual playground particularly in British Columbia.  The communities along this important highway represent much of British Columbia’s interior population and provides unprecedented access to the spectacular mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers and associated recreational opportunities the Province is famous for.  Highway 97 beer will be involved in this lifestyle, the people, the events and the overall culture of this Highway 97 corridor.

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Bad Tattoo Brewing

Bad Tattoo beer is handcrafted in Penticton, using natural ingredients and no added preservatives. Brewery tours are a casual and fun way to go behind-the-scenes and see just how crazy we are about great craft beer.

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Neighbourhood Brewing

Neighbourhood Brewing beer cans stacked on beach

Neighbourhood Brewing was a concept between friends, years in the making. Our group of lifelong friends took a group trip to Penticton to enjoy the sun and scenery and fell in love. We spent days and nights on the beaches, exploring the wineries, and admiring everything about this city. When we headed back to our daily lives, we still dreamed of the Penticton lifestyle. It became a yearly ritual for our group of friends to make this trip and each time it got harder to

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Slackwater Brewing

Slackwater Brewing cans on bench overlooking downtown Penticton

Founded mid-cast and hip deep in a mountain stream, Slackwater stands for the moments between life’s ebbs and flows—especially those enjoyed with friends, family and beers in-hand.  

This building was once the site of a local institution known for enjoying many libations in the spirit of companionship. Some things never change. The newly renovated space features two floors, two bars and two patios worth of whistle-wetting all built around an open-faced brewery. Twelve draught taps and locally inspired pub fare are done counter service in this beerhall-like taproom.

Occasionally we have live music, play games, put on sports and take group or corporate reservations. The ground floor is kid-friendly till 9pm daily and our patios close at 10pm nightly. Enjoy a beer or three with us.

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Cannery Brewing

Customers standing at tasting room bar inside Cannery brewing

Located amidst the breathtaking scenery of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, Cannery Brewing produces individually crafted fine ales and lagers of unmistakable complexity and balance. This flavour is the result of wonderful combinations of premium quality malted grains and carefully chosen Pacific Northwest hops.All of our beers are created with carefully selected and scrutinized ingredients. Cannery Brewing uses the finest hops and grains and only the finest yeast strains. The Cannery brews are all natural. They contain no preservatives and are not pasteurized. You get a fresh, crisp taste every time.

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Barley Mill Brew Pub & Bistro

Barley Mill Brew Pub Building

pub with a friendly atmosphere, cheerful waitresses and bartenders – and good drinks. A restaurant with homemade quality foods. A place with a lively decor, where darts, billiards, music and camaraderie are enjoyed.

A decora-tribute to sports figures echoes a slightly western theme with paraphernalia belonging to some first class Penticton athletes and rodeo stars.

See and learn the secrets of The Barley Mill Brew Pub’s award winning brewing process. Take a free tour 11am to 5pm daily.

Barley Mill micro brewed beer is exclusive to the Barley Mill Cold Beer and Wine Store.

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Detonate Brewing Company

Bringing great Craft Beer to Summerland

Detonate Brewing is one of British Columbia’s newest breweries dedicated to brewing great tasting, craft beer. Detonate is a very small brewery in comparison to many of the other breweries that are in the region. They have a small tasting area for sampling and growler fills with a focus on small amounts of high quality pale and honey ales.

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Breakaway Brewing Company

Breakaway Brewing Company was born out of a passion for hockey and enjoying a good beer with friends.  Opened in  July 2019 this is a great brew pub in downtown Summerland with a friendly atmosphere. Offering a handmade lunch & dinner menu including scratch made desserts, & small batch beer menu.  

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Firehall Brewery

Firehall Brewery tasting room

Founded by Father & Son:

The idea to put a microbrewery in Oliver’s ‘Old Firehall’ was born of father and son, Jim and Sid Ruhland. Planning for the Firehall Brewery launch began in early 2011, and equipment installation began in July later that year. We heard a local bootlegger was selling his brewing system, and soon enough we were busy piping it into the Old Firehall’s cavernous bunker with the help of friends & family. For an inside look at the whole process, check out “Brewing a Brewery”. The first batch was released at the end of March 2012, and since then we’ve been pumping out unfiltered, unpasteurized, & uncompromised artisan ales, again with much help from friends, family, a team of awesome staff.

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North Basin Brewing Co.

North Basin Brewing Co

North Basin Brewing Co., is a brand-new brewery in Osoyoos, BC established by Osoyoos locals. Taste craft beer — everything from lagers to ales, and stouts to IPAs. Enjoy pints in a relaxed atmosphere while you taste their selection of locally curated snacks.

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